Gulf Coast Chapter Status?

[MolenaarE]

Can someone provide an update on the status of the Gulf Coast Chapter? On October 29th an email went out giving short notice of meeting and elections being held on November 1st. Several members weren't able to attend due to prior plans, and to date nothing has been provided to inform current Chapter members what happened.

There are still several people in the Tampa Bay area interested in being involved and continuing what Ric Bolduc worked so hard to establish. There are rumors that this Chapter is going to be merged with the Everglades Chapter.

[shelbyinparadise]

As a Charter member of GCC, I remember we became official in September, I have not received the notice of where to send in renewal dues yet or any newsletter. This Chapter in the By-laws was set up as a Tampa Bay area Chapter, with a lot of Bruce Palmers friends in the area and in northwest and south central Florida. The last meeting was called a couple of days before the meeting and conflicted with several other scheduled events in the area. Charles was going to the meeting but it was over before he could get there from another event that day. Maybe Fred can answer it anything has been said at National level or between board members and our present substitute for Ric. all I have heard is crickets. Shelby

[MolenaarE]

Also a Charter member and part of that group of friends that meet regularly, none of us have received official updates for dues or otherwise. Like Charles, we were at another event and didn't make it. Seems odd that nobody has come forward about what was discussed, did anyone really make it? We hear the same crickets.

[exeric]

We were in north Georgia during the last Gulfcoast meeting. I haven't heard anything either.

[Flatheadjax]

Let me try to shed some light on the confusion being created by this thread. First of all I don't follow this blog page and it wasn't until someone called me to tell me about it that I even new this thread existed. If you would like to get an honest answer e-mail Kelli or I instead of launching a missile into cyberspace and then wondering why you don't get a response. I will answer the questions posed one by one.

1. Kelli, as National secretary and Gulf Coast Chapter president, had limited weekend time available with her trip to Chicago to interview the new National Executive Director. Unfortunately, she did not know when the trip to Chicago would be until the Annual Board Meeting in October. During the Annual Board Meeting she found out what the dates were and so the Gulf Coast Chapter meeting was scheduled around that. She spoke with several of the members at that Lake Mirror Classic to figure out convenient times and then Don Huffman had to give the okay, since he generously lets us use his dealership for the meetings. There was not much that could have been done about the short notice. The members that attended Lake Mirror Classic (a Chapter sponsored event) were aware of the meeting.

2. We ride or drive 110 miles each way to make these meetings. We now know that the big Webster motorcycle flea market is the first Sunday of every month and that is not the day for a meeting. Webster is 180 miles away from where we live so we don't keep tabs on the dates.

3. It has never been discussed at either a Gulf Coast Chapter meeting nor an Everglades Chapter meeting to merge the two chapters. The Everglades Chapter is primarily a Miami/Fort Lauderdale chapter and is about 280 mile from Tampa. You will never get people from there to go to Tampa on a regular basis.

4. Shelby, simply go to the back of the Antique Motorcycle Magazine or the Gulf Coast website and send an e-mail, again instead of just launching a missile into cyberspace. Really? It's not that hard, I know you can do it if you try. You didn't re-up for 2013, 2014 is just around the corner. But yet you were still given notice of the meeting in spite of the fact that you were not a member in good standing in 2013. And in 2013 there were several notices sent out to re-up.

5. Oh, by the way, no one has volunteered as of yet to do a newsletter.

6. Don't know what time Charles showed up but we waited to start the meeting for at least 45 minutes and stayed until the dealership was closing. There were not many members present and Kelli asked before the meeting started if those present wanted to postpone the meeting, and it was unanimous to have the meeting.

7. Eric, Kelli called you to ask if you were interested in continuing on as Vice President. All of the officers were called by Kelli and asked if they would like to remain on as officers. According to the chapter bi-laws, if you want to stay on for another term you are allowed. Once again, a direct e-mail works better than a blog. NOBODY mentioned Webster until the day of the meeting and all that was said was they were going to Webster said they would not make the meeting.

As far as the meeting goes, Elections; all board members remained the same with the exception of Kelli and I trading places. She will be the treasurer and I was elected president. The votes were unanimous by those present. I did not re-up to be on the board of the Everglades Chapter so that I could devote my time to the Gulf Coast Chapter. We also discussed having our Holiday Party and ride on the third Saturday in Januarye . We will be meeting at Lakeland H-D. we also discussed having a chapter ride on the third Saturday of every month. Not much else since we didn't have a large turnout.

If you guys are not good with the elections I guess you can e-mail Kelli and let her know. I'm not really good with being attacked on a blog when you can simply e-mail your questions. It's just a bunch of bull sh!t meant to insight discontent.

Have a Merry Christmas
Flathead Jack

By the way, this part is from Kelli. Are you all really that miserable that you have nothing better to do this holiday season then to spread your discontent? This is the season for good cheer and fellowship. I realize that some of you are not happy unless you are stirring up trouble. Maybe you should go volunteer your time to help someone in need. There are plenty of people in need and it appears that you have too much time on your hands. Christmas is supposed to be a time of generosity. Have a Merry Christmas! Kelli

[exeric]

Jack, with all due respect, I don't think the any of us were out of line, causing confusion, or launching missles of discontent. I've re-read the letters and I only sensed curiousity, not anger. Thanks for the clarification, and I'll leave it at that.

[shelbyinparadise]

Hello Jack, I sent my first check before the chapter had a bank account, to Gerry Lyons shortly after his email to me on 7/29/12 of the meeting at Ric's house. I had no idea we were to renew Jan 1. I thought I was paid for a year till Sept 2013 at least. Charles told me of the meeting and that he was already scheduled to ride with a different club that day. I had reminded him it should be time to renew our memberships. I have been very busy with other chapters I belong to and was awarded "Member of the Year 2013" for my efforts as Membership/ Events Director of The Cherokee Chapter in Texas www.cherokeeamca.org. We keep our members informed on results of our elections and the details are made public as soon as practical in newsletter. In our chapter dues paid after July 1, members receive the rest of the year free and are credited for Jan. 1 to Dec 31. This gives everyone that joins near the end of the year to be on same schedule as rest of members. At Barber I saw Kelly several times but was busy with the Cherokee Booth across from AMCA Booth. At present I belong to 5 AMCA Chapters, so I am pretty sure my time is freely given for Love of the Sport. Shelby

[MolenaarE]

Jack,

My apology if you thought this was an attack, that wasn't the intent.

I was hoping some of the members who made the last meeting might share what took place as it's been several weeks with no update on the GCC site or email. I do appreciate the update and will share this information with the small circle of members I see in the area.

Maybe you can push an email to current members as like yourself, it appears they may not follow this blog. Hope more members will be able to make the January meet.

Have a Merry Christmas

[Flatheadjax]

Thanks Eric, Shelby, and Ed for your responses. It was decided at our Jan. 2013 meeting to collect dues for the new year (even though the chapter was only 3 months old) since costs for starting the chapter plus the cost of the inaugural dinner meeting, which ultimately was charged to the chapter, had depleted the treasury. I wasn't part of that plan so I can't answer any questions on that subject. So I started the chapter checking account with my own personal funds. Eventually I will get paid back (at least my dues are already paid). That was the reason for dues for 2013. 2014 is a new year, dues will be due again. I will get at least an e-mail out to members about meeting results until a newsletter editor can be recruited. I am hoping for a prosperous year and growing the chapter by providing activities that will appeal to members and prospective members as well.
This is my first chance to respond as this is my only day off (Christmas) this week. Thanks for listening.

Happy New Year
Flathead Jack

[shelbyinparadise]

Hello Jack, I can see you are a new member to the forum, Welcome. A while back, I made the suggestion to the National Board and they agreed to start a Chapter Events Thread, so Chapters without newsletters, or website could post upcoming events and let members and interested people know of things happening in their areas or across the country. Any officer or Board member of a official Chapter can post information and with the use of the forum in a timely manner to notify people of things like elections, road runs, and special events. This encourages a wider number of members to take part in these events, and increases the use of the National forum which was created to inform, use and enjoy by all members.

As one can tell by the number of views on the posts from different Chapters, the Events Thread has worked well. The Cherokee Chapter has used the Forum, emails, newsletter and our new Website to spread the word of events and we more than doubled our membership from 48 to 114 at last count, and we had 57 people RSVP for our Elections a few weeks ago. A year ago our chapter had almost no information out on events, low turn out and was a stagnant or dying Chapter. The members can turn a Chapter around if the officers are willing to keep lines of communication open with emails.

A check for my dues will be mailed next time we go to town. Will see my Florida friends in March at Eustis or JamOn Swapmeet as always. Shelby Withrow, Membership and Events Director, Cherokee Chapter AMCA

[shelbyinparadise]

A check for my dues will be mailed next time we go to town. Will see my Florida friends in March at Eustis or JamOn Swapmeet as always. Shelby Withrow, Membership and Events Director, Cherokee Chapter AMCA

My dues check for 2014 was sent when we got back home from visiting 87 year old Mother, for her last Christmas and New Year, the chemo is taking a hard toll on her health. Have not received any emails from Chapter since Oct. and from talking to some other members, they have received none either. I do spend a lot of my time helping others, my receiving the outstanding Member of the year Award from the Cherokee Chapter, was the highlight of my last year working for AMCA improvement.

I was able to still attend to Cherokee Chapter business as Membership Director while away from home, as well as working on the Florida Swap meet. The Cherokee Chapter, updating it's Bylaws, is using the Florida Not For profit Statues as a Guide, conforming to National's Florida Charter, to insure all our members are given proper notice, call for nominations, and a mailed numbered ballot or proxy system that insures every member can vote, even those who are unable to attend in person. Proper record keeping of required minutes of meetings and elections is required by law and we are doing all we can to set an example for other chapters.

Nothing said here should be taken as negative, the intent is to help my friends and fellow Charter members in the GCC to keep the Chapter strong and growing

[shelbyinparadise]

For the 766 (I know this is not a count of people) views of this thread must mean some people would like to know what is going on.
Elections were held, no email to date on the official record of the meeting, no count of members present, all information was in this thread from Jack and not all GCC members watch the Forum. A couple of weeks ago, after returning from Dania Beach Show, discussing this issue with Director of Chapters, Fred Davis and with Fred's permission I Quote from Fred's email to me.

"Shelby. Kelli and Jack were not at the Dania Beach show.I did speak with Jack by phone regarding GCC members and elections. Jack's suggestion was that members interested in the operation of the Chapter should become more involved in Chapter activities, perhaps volunteer to produce a newsletter, become a Club officer, produce an e-letter or in some way help to keep membership informed. Be pro-active not re-active."

As the Membership Director of the Cherokee Chapter in Texas area, growing our Chapter from 38 Members Dec. 2, 2012 to 134 today, I agree with Jack, members should be involved, and the Officers have a duty to see that everyone has a chance to do so.

Without proper notice of election, call for nominations, or other items called for by Florida Not for Profit statues, if enough members agree that the Elections were not properly held, we do have options, and at least one Charter Member has stated He would run for the good of the Chapter. I call for chapter members to let others know your thoughts.

As a Charter Member with 2014 dues paid, I call for interested Members contact me by PM, email, or visit while I will be in Florida most of March in the usual places. Thanks to an email sent to all members of GCC by another Charter Member, we now know there is still interest in keeping the Chapter alive by the group that formed it in the first place.

This is for my friends in Florida, not meant to be anything but helpful. Shelby

[shelbyinparadise]

Before I left for Florida I asked for Chapter members to contact me or visit me while in Florida at several well known locations and I thank everyone who responded. It is clear that the chapter has not received any emails from its officers since the posting of Jack's response in December on this forum. This Chapter was set up by the Tampa Bay area friends of Bruce Palmer and those that left other chapters for various reasons or had no chapter near them.

There is still a core group of the chapter in Florida that meet regularly and enjoy each others company. Many have expressed their displeasure with the politics, with the Nov. elections, how they were conducted and current lack of leadership. If the current officers do not have the time or inclination to grow the club, they should step aside and let the Chapter run itself again for the benefit of the Chapter Members.

Every effort should be made to correct this problem before it kills the Chapter. My thanks to those that responded. Shelby Withrow Charter Member Gulf Coast Chapter (Dues paid 2014)

[shelbyinparadise]

It is now been 6 months without a single email about the November Elections, club function or anything else from Jack or Kelli as indicated on this forum in post #9. Are they so upset over the support for Eustis by members, they are willing to let the Chapter die from neglect. Are the Tax filings made? Are any meetings scheduled to comply with the Florida Not For Profit statutes? Is this Chapter elections being run according to Florida law? I think not the way I read the Statutes.

After paying my dues in January, one would at least expect a current membership card and a copy of the meeting minutes detailing the elections for the 20 Dollars. I would think a National Board Member would at least know how to run or advise a Chapter or be an Officer by the Book. Shelby, Charter Member

[shelbyinparadise]

It is now been 6 months without a single email about the November Elections, club function or anything else from Jack or Kelli as indicated on this forum in post #9. Are they so upset over the support for Eustis by members, they are willing to let the Chapter die from neglect. Are the Tax filings made? Are any meetings scheduled to comply with the Florida Not For Profit statutes? Is this Chapter elections being run according to Florida law? I think not the way I read the Statutes.

After paying my dues in January, one would at least expect a current membership card and a copy of the meeting minutes detailing the elections for the 20 Dollars. I would think a National Board Member would at least know how to run or advise a Chapter or be an Officer by the Book. Shelby, Charter Member

With all the talk in the National Magazine of how the Board wants everyone to play nice and be politically correct, start new chapters with a few friends, and all get along, How can the Board allow a Officer and Spouse Kill a chapter by neglect because they do not agree with the direction the chapter members went separating from the Sunshine chapter and the majority supporting the Eustis meet. If the National Board wants to have creditability with Chapters it must be evenhanded with how these Chapters are allowed to be independent of misdeeds by these very Board Members we are supposed to embrace their vision and motives.

Not a single positive response to any Gulf Coast Chapter member who has personal talked to these local officers. Not a good way to treat some of the best AMCA members in Florida such as Sarge, Eric, and Bruce Palmer or setting an example of how a Chapter should be run by or with help of a National Board Member who should know the rules and the spirit of fair play. Not everyone has the same views on each issue, but to suppress descent in such a heavy handed matter should not make the National Board Proud of actions taken.

November to June is not acceptable for no progress with inactivity from Chapter Leaders. Just my View.

Shelby Withrow, Charter Member Gulf Coast Chapter
Membership and Events Director Cherokee Chapter